It had already been hinted at, now it’s official: FC Bayern is strengthening its squad for the new season with point guard Shabazz Napier, filling a gap
Rumors about the signing have already been circulating in the past few days and now everything is clear. FC Bayern announced on Wednesday that Shabazz Napier will join the reigning German champions. He has signed a one-year contract with an option for a further season.
The 33-year-old last played for Olimpia Milano in Italy, for whom the guard played 16 games in the EuroLeague. Napier averaged 10.9 points and four assists in around 27 minutes. Bayern’s new sporting director Dragan Tarlac describes the new signing’s strengths as follows: “In Napier, we have now found the player who, in addition to his individual qualities and leadership, also brings a lot of experience to the table. In our talks with him, it quickly became clear that we have common goals and that he is eager to play with his former teammates and also for Coach Herbert. “
Contract negotiations with Bologna recently broke down
In Milan, the guard did not receive a new contract recently. According to BasketNews, the veteran subsequently negotiated with Virtus Bologna without reaching an agreement. Napier has now signed in Munich: “I’m looking forward to playing with great players and continuing to learn from a great coaching staff. My goal is to be able to celebrate some really important victories with the Bayern fans next season. I believe that we can achieve this under the leadership of Coach Herbert.”
Bayern lost three guards in the summer – Leandro Bolmaro, Sylvain Francisco and Nelson Weidemann – while only the young Israeli Yam Madar was signed from Fenerbahce. Nick Weiler-Babb and BBL Finals MVP Carsen Edwards, who extended his contract by a year in the summer, are also still in the squad
Shabazz Napier played six years in the NBA
Napier spent six years in the NBA and played 345 games for six different teams. The Miami Heat drafted him 24th overall in 2014, after which he also played for the Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers, Brooklyn Nets, Minnesota Timberwolves and the Washington Wizards in 2020.
Napier then no longer received an NBA contract. Instead, he joined Zenit St. Petersburg before leaving the country due to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and playing for the G-League team in Mexico City a few months later.
